What are the main concerns about India’s refugee policies?
“ALARM”
A - Absence of a Standardised Policy
• Refugee treatment depends on India’s geopolitical interests, leading to inconsistencies.
• Example: Favorable treatment for Tibetans and Sri Lankans versus neglect for Rohingyas.
• The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, excludes persecuted Muslim minorities like the Rohingya.
L - Lack of Legal Aid
• Rohingyas and other refugees face challenges accessing legal representation.
• Restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have hampered funding for civil society groups offering support.
A - Appalling Detention Conditions
• Refugees, including vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children, endure inhumane conditions.
• Example: The Matia Transit Camp, Assam, highlights the grim realities of detention centers.
R - Rights Denied
• Refugees lack a clear legal framework to protect their rights.
• India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, leaving refugees in a legal limbo.
M - Monitoring Gaps
• Despite Supreme Court directions for surprise inspections, there is limited accountability and transparency in the management of detention camps.
“ALARM”
A - Absence of a Standardised Policy
• Refugee treatment depends on India’s geopolitical interests, leading to inconsistencies.
• Example: Favorable treatment for Tibetans and Sri Lankans versus neglect for Rohingyas.
• The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, excludes persecuted Muslim minorities like the Rohingya.
L - Lack of Legal Aid
• Rohingyas and other refugees face challenges accessing legal representation.
• Restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have hampered funding for civil society groups offering support.
A - Appalling Detention Conditions
• Refugees, including vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children, endure inhumane conditions.
• Example: The Matia Transit Camp, Assam, highlights the grim realities of detention centers.
R - Rights Denied
• Refugees lack a clear legal framework to protect their rights.
• India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, leaving refugees in a legal limbo.
M - Monitoring Gaps
• Despite Supreme Court directions for surprise inspections, there is limited accountability and transparency in the management of detention camps.